I hate to psychoanalyze myself in public, but I have recently struggled with discouragement in two separate projects I have undertaken at church. In both of them, I feel like I have been following God’s will and trying to serve Him well with these projects, but for some reason, everyone else involved just does not seem to share the same motivation I have to complete these projects.
Why is encouragement such a big deal? Look at the refreshment it brings to us:
Job 16:4-5 (NLT): I could say the same things if you were in my place. I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you. But if it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief.
Encouragement takes away grief. It lifts a burden from our hearts.
In Exodus 17, a story is told of a battle that the Israelites waged against the Amalekites.
Exodus 17:11 (NIV): As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.
Not only is this story a testament to the supernatural power of God, but it also demonstrates the encouragement that the army received from Moses knowing that he was up there blessing them as they fought. However, the encouragement doesn’t stop there:
Exodus 17:12-13 (NIV): When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
When Moses himself got tired, Aaron and Hur were there to lift him up and encourage him in turn.
Encouragement is a positive thing. It strengthens us, emboldens us, rejuvenates us, refreshens us… it does so much good, yet why would people cut us down?
There’s a huge difference between an overcynical nature, a healthy dose of realism, and trusting in an almighty God that can shatter all our expectations with blessings.
I hope there was a point there, because I feel better now.
